See a Movie at the Historic Central Park Theatre!

posted by Andy Pierce on December 15, 2003 at 8:03 am

CHICAGO, IL — Plans are underway to host “Within Our Gates,” the famous 1919 silent film by Oscar Micheaux, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at the historic Central Park Theatre, 3535 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. This will be the first film to be shown in the theater since 1971.

The Central Park is important to the history of American cinema presentation because it was the first Balaban and Katz presentation house. Its success led to B&K’s construction of the Riviera, Tivoli, Chicago, and Uptown theaters, and laid the foundation for a market-dominating entertainment empire. Since 1971, the Central Park has served Chicago and the Lawndale neighborhood as the House of Prayer, Church of God in Christ. The church and adjacent properties serve a variety of religious and community needs.

Chicago theatre organist of note Jay Warren will provide live musical photoplay accompaniment. The show is hosted by the House of Prayer and the Silent Film Society of Chicago. Street and lot parking are available. Seating is limited. Proceeds will benefit the House of Prayer/Central Park Theatre building. Details TBA. Call (773) 205-7372 for more.

Silent Film Society of Chicago
http://www.silentfilmchicago.com/

Central Park, 1917, architects C.W. and Geo. L. Rapp
/theaters/1086/

Theaters in this post

• Central Park Theatre
• Chicago Theatre
• Riviera Theatre
• Tivoli Theatre
• Uptown Theatre